~~.
é
Lnetince
meee &
concernec over any increase in size of the danger area that might result
during operations and also the possitle increased interference with international air routes due to moving operations further north and east.
Our feeling is that the danger area might be relocated to the east but
would not be increased in overall size.
It might te possifle to include in the announcement of plans to
return the Rongelapese a statement that the AEC would move further high
yield tests from Pikini to Taongi to better safeguard the Rongelapese from
any additional fallout exposures and to make possible fewer shot delays. +
due to win’ conditions which have prolonged the length of test series in
the past.
However, Clark anc Southwick felt that such an announcement
would in effect announce plans for another Pacific test.
The Trust Territory Administration is under the Department of Interior
(Office of Territories) but Interior is recuieed to consult with State on
all matters connected with the Trust Territories which may affect our international relations.
et”
In addition, the closing of an area of the terri-
tory fer strategic purposes or security reasons (such as nuclear tests) is
reserved for Presidential action.
Consequently, in proceeding to have
Taongi Atoll set eside as a test site we should get State and [Interior
scncurrence prior to requesting the President to take appropriate action.
|
As a matter of interest we have learned from
FTE =
wnat
that CNO
co.
hee arranged with Scripps Oceanographic Institute to make an oceanographic
#
-F
survey of the Teongi lagoon and adjacent waters. Apparently, their interest’ ~
here stems from the possible use of Taongi as a site for their depth charge.
tests proposed for YARDTACK.
2005611
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